Released: Friday, May 21, 2021 2:45 PM

Not-for-profit groups that deliver social services to people and families throughout the Fraser Valley are receiving support through B.C.’s Community Gaming Grants program.

“Since the start of the pandemic, the not-for-profit sector has been a beacon for many British Columbians, guiding them through challenging times with programs that have made life better and helped keep communities resilient,” said Josie Osborne, Minister of Municipal Affairs. “We are stronger when we work together, and our government is committed to supporting these organizations and the people who rely on them – today, and as we move forward into recovery.”

The Province is contributing nearly $61 million to more than 1,400 human and social services sector organizations that provide essential community services. These partner organizations make a difference in people’s lives through child care, support for people with disabilities, seniors’ activities, health education and more. The grants are also bringing a boost to programs that have seen a spike in demand since the pandemic, including food banks, shelters, mental health and addictions counselling, and services for women’s transition.

The following are examples of how Community Gaming Grant funding will help make a difference for people:

• People living with autism, post-traumatic stress disorder and special needs will benefit from funding to British Columbia Guide Dog Services for continued guide dog programs.
• Individuals, couples, families and children in Chilliwack will have access to mental health supports and counselling programs through the Ann Davis Transition Society.
• Youth and families will benefit from a variety of mental health programs, including suicide prevention, family resources and educational TV programming through the OPTIONS Community Services Society.

“I am happy to announce continued support for community organizations across Surrey doing important work providing youth supports, education and substance abuse recovery projects, just to name a few initiatives,” said Jagrup Brar, MLA for Surrey-Fleetwood. “It is precisely these types of organizations that matter most to people, and they are vital to help all of us to connect with each other during this pandemic.”

Since 2017, Community Gaming Grants have annually supported more than 1,400 not-for-profit organizations in the human and social services sector throughout more than 160 B.C. communities.

“Ann Davis Transition Society has been providing services for those affected by abuse and violence for 40 years,” said Patti MacAhonic, executive director, Ann Davis Transition Society. “With the challenges posed by the pandemic, we’ve adapted and continued our work supporting those most vulnerable amongst us. With this funding, we’ll be able to continue providing these important services to the community members who need them and helping make our community a safe, welcoming space for everyone.”

Community Gaming Grants provide approximately $140 million each year to support nearly 5,000 not-for-profit organizations that deliver services to people throughout British Columbia.

“These grants provide funding for incredibly important organizations in our communities,” said Dan Coulter, MLA for Chilliwack. “By putting money in the hands of local organizations on the ground that offer a diverse variety of services from therapy and counselling to literacy aide, local scholarships and much more, we can ensure that British Columbians far and wide can benefit from this investment.”

See the full list of human and social services grant recipients here: http://news.gov.bc.ca/files/5-21-21_HSSS.pdf

Quick Facts:

• Each year, Community Gaming Grants provide funding to a variety of not-for-profit organizations, including arts and culture groups, sports, environment, public safety, and human and social services, as well as parent advisory councils in schools throughout B.C.
• The Community Gaming Grants program provides funding that benefits communities through the organizations that the program supports each year, including $5 million dedicated to funding the capital project sector.
• There has been no change to the Community Gaming Grants program budget for 2020-21.
• All Community Gaming Grant funding must comply with the provincial health officer’s orders. The program is providing flexibility for organizations to delay project and service delivery until they can do so safely.

Learn More:

For more information on how Community Gaming Grants respond to the COVID-19 pandemic, visit:
https://www2.gov.bc.ca/gov/content/sports-culture/gambling-fundraising/gaming-grants/cggupdates

StrongerBC: https://strongerbc.gov.bc.ca/

B.C.’s COVID-19 Action Plan and other government resources and updates: www.gov.bc.ca/covid19